Paris Peace Conf. 184.01302/1
Telegram Sent by the Chief of the Special Mission in Germany (Dresel)1
In two days visit in Munich I succeeded by means of numerous interviews in getting much information as to Bavarian situation. The tendency is less radical than in the rest of Germany and Eisner, Independent Socialist, who on account of his having been chief instigator of revolution has hitherto maintained himself, will probably be defeated at elections January 12. He is criticized on all hands as a dreamer and vain, unpractical and averse to action. The strong man is Auer, Minister of Interior, Majority Socialist, and man of the people but well balanced sincere and intelligent. He is endeavoring with aid of South German Governments to call together a constitutional convention to discuss and coordinate the different governments throughout Germany and seems destined to play a highly important part. I strongly recommend that close contact be maintained with him.
Bolshevik and Communistic group inconsiderable in number but active in propaganda and violent in its demonstrations. Several well informed persons consider serious outbreak on their part between now and elections inevitable. They have attacked newspaper offices and threatened Auer’s life.
Beside two or three smaller factions important parties are as follows: (1) League of Peasants (2) Bavarian Popular Party (3) Democratic Popular Party (4) Majority Socialists (5) Minority Socialists (6) Spartacus Group comprising many different shades.
The second party led by Heim is reactionary but does not apparently contemplate a restoration of the Monarchy. Its importance lies in its ability to influence the Catholic voters especially women. One of its principal representatives perhaps however influenced by narrow party considerations told me that intervention by the Entente would probably be necessary to restore order. This is however not the view of the moderates of the third and fourth parties who are confident [Page 131] that the elections will result in a strong and harmonious government and I think the prospects are good. The fourth party named the Majority Socialists appears to be the safest and most reasonable and most largely supported by the returning troops. The bourgeoisie which has principally joined the third party appears apathetic and without program and lacking in vision. They will however support a strong Majority Socialist government if duly elected. In talking with people of all shades of opinion including soldiers I have been impressed by the moderation of views expressed and great desire for orderly energetic government.
The dislike of Prussia is extremely noticeable and strong tendency exists to hold her entirely responsible for the political and military mistakes of the war. A capital other than Berlin and a complete freedom from Prussian hegemony are strongly urged. Nevertheless no distinct separatist movement is as yet visible.
Referring economic situation food will last until about April first as peasants in view of high prices and fear of possible disorder and confiscation are bringing in supplies in considerable quantities. At same time suffering of poor due to bad labor conditions and exorbitant food prices are serious and evidence of under nourishment is seen everywhere. At food kitchen meals consisting of soup and beans are served each of which costs consumer fifty pfennig and government ninety-three. Even more immediately serious is coal shortage which is ascribed partly to lack of cars due to armistice conditions and partly to occupation of Sarre district. The factories have all been closed until January first and railroad service has been reduced to an absolute minimum. Appeals have been made to me from all sides to urge immediate facilitation of coal shipments in order to prevent destruction of all industrial life and spread of anarchy. Further all persons in authority with whom I talked begged that the Entente should issue a formal statement that peace would not be negotiated unless with a stable government nor would food be provided unless stability secured. Auer requested me if no formal statement could be issued that I should at once write him a letter to that effect but this I refused to do.
These two measures namely the supply of coal and the statement described would as the moderates believe assure the immediate creation of an orderly and permanent government and I believe therefore that such action is desirable.
The fourteen points are as is stated entirely acceptable and President Wilson was everywhere spoken of with great respect.
I expect to stay here through the week, address Hotel Esplanade, and hope to arrange to leave for Paris via Coblenz on Sunday or [Page 132] Monday. Day returns to Berne at least temporarily. Repeat to Grew.
- This document bears a notation: “Telegram sent from Berlin Jan. 1st.” No indication appears as to the channel by which it was forwarded to the Commission to Negotiate Peace.↩